23
HOUSEKEEPING
vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on
a regular basis.
INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure sufficient
ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clearances from
the water heater must be maintained.
See Facts to Consider
About the Location
section. Combustible materials such as
clothing, cleaning materials, or flammable liquids, etc. must not
be placed against or adjacent to the water heater because they
could catch on fire.
ANODE ROD INSPECTION
The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion. Most
hot water tanks are equipped with an anode rod. The submerged
rod deteriorates to protect the tank. Instead of corroding the tank,
water ions attack and eat away the anode rod. This does not
affect the water’s taste or color. The rod must be maintained to
keep the tank in operating condition.
FIGURE 25.
Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not necessar-
ily water condition. A corroded or pitted anode rod indicates high
water conductivity and should be checked and/or replaced more
often than an anode rod that appears to be intact. Replacement
of a depleted anode rod can extend the life of your water heater.
Inspection should be conducted by calling the Sears Service
Center for an authorized contractor. The anode rod should be
inspected after a maximum of three years and annually thereaf-
ter until the condition of the anode rod dictates its replacement.
NOTE: artificially softened water requires the anode rod to be
inspected annually.
TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RElIEF VAlVE
OPERATION
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated
at least once a year.
When checking the temperature-pressure relief valve
operation, make sure that (1) no one is in front of or around
the outlet of the temperature-pressure relief valve discharge
line, and (2) that the water discharge will not cause any
property damage, as the water may be extremely hot, see
Figure 25.
FIGURE 25A.
If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset
and continues to release water, immediately close the cold water
inlet to the water heater, follow the draining instructions, and
replace the temperature-pressure relief valve with a new one.
If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps or
discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expansion. You
may have a check valve installed in the water line or a water meter
with a check valve. Consult the Sears Service Center for further
information. Do not plug the temperature-pressure relief valve.
